IL PAPA a Piazza di Spagna

Please click on the second photo--twice--to zoom in to see Pope Benedict better.

CHRISTMAS IN ROMA

Although the tree in St. Peter's Square does not get lit nor does the Nativity in the Square get unveiled until Christmas, Christmastime in Rome is magical.

I still enjoyed seeing the tree in St. Peter's get decorated, another tree in Piazza Venezia, shopping streets lit with Christmas lights and storefronts very much decorated, too.

Piazza Navona had a Christmas Market where Nativities, ornaments, and big sugar coated donuts with Nutella were being sold.

On the Immaculate Conception, I waited at Piazza di Spagna from 9 am until 4 pm for the Pope to Arrive.

I was 6 feet away from Pope Benedict. It was surreal!!

I also was 2 feet from the mayor of Rome and a top political leader of the region of Lazio (which is the region Rome is in)

I had a gelato crawl my last night in Rome and hope my prayers for this exam week to go well, as I balanced it with trying to make the most of my time left in the Eternal City and with packing, will be answered.

I have fallen in love with Roma.
I have evolved because of my time here, and I believe it is part of God's plan for me to return there soon. I believe things will reveal themselves.